Chondrosarcoma of the Sternum: Surgical Challenges, Chest Wall Reconstruction, and Postoperative Management

Although rare, primary chondrosarcoma is the most frequent malignant tumor of the sternum. It commonly manifests as a painful, expanding mass arising from the costochondrosternal junction. Since it is resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, surgical resection with reconstruction is the preferred...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-04, Vol.16 (4), p.e57594
Main Authors: Trepić, Nina, Nemet, Marko, Ergelašev, Ivan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibiotics
Calcification
Cardiac/Thoracic/Vascular Surgery
Cartilage
Chemotherapy
Clinical medicine
Clinical practice guidelines
Laparotomy
Medical imaging
Mineralization
Multiple myeloma
Oncology
Prostheses
Proteins
Radiation therapy
Rib cage
Scintigraphy
Tumors
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Summary:Although rare, primary chondrosarcoma is the most frequent malignant tumor of the sternum. It commonly manifests as a painful, expanding mass arising from the costochondrosternal junction. Since it is resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, surgical resection with reconstruction is the preferred treatment. A 50-year-old male presented with swelling over the left fourth sternocostal joint, gradually increasing in size. Imaging and clinical assessment suggested an infiltrative neoplasm, and surgical resection was indicated. The patient underwent a partial sternectomy, including a resection of the xiphoid process and costal cartilages two to seven and a partial resection of the manubrium. Postoperative pathohistological analysis specified the change as a low-grade chondrosarcoma in the pT1 stage. Chest wall reconstruction involved three pectus bars fixated around the ribs and the placement of a synthetic polypropylene mesh. The patient required postoperative rehospitalization due to partial skin layer wound dehiscence, serous drainage, and fever. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated, and the patient underwent a median superior laparotomy with partial omentoplasty of the sternal region, preserving the mesh and pectus bars. A culture analysis revealed methicillin-resistant , and postoperative antibiotic therapy was adapted to the antibiogram. Subsequently, all parameters of inflammation decreased, and wound healing followed. A one-year follow-up CT scan showed no disease recurrence. This case highlights the intricate surgical management that contributed to the successful treatment of sternal chondrosarcoma. Sternal wound infection, a severe postoperative complication with a high mortality rate, requires prompt identification, precise revision with culture-directed antibiotics, and effort to preserve the prosthetic material.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.57594